07.21.11

the best of Los Angeles

It’s about time I devoted a post to the place I called home for most of my life. While I prefer life in Chicago over LA, it’s still a fun place to visit. There is lots to see and do.

Here are some of my favorite places to eat, shop + play. Enjoy.

dining

My first rec is Toast on 3rd for obvious reasons. This place is usually packed and is definitely one of those “it” places {which I normally cannot stand} but it’s so good! Personal faves include the farmers {grilled veggie sandwich} and the grilled veggie salad.

X’ian is my favorite Chinese place. Personal faves include the crispy onion pancakes {even if you don’t like onions you’ll love them}, string beans, power zone rice + if you like meat, the crispy chicken is phenomenal. I do miss it a little bit. I had X’ian 3x the week before I moved to Chicago. It’s that good.

La Scala is home to my favorite chopped salad. It is so good. I also recommend ordering a side of marinara for the bread. Amazing! There are a few locations. The one in BH is nice, but I prefer the Brentwood location on San Vicente because it’s a little more low key. Also a really nice little area to walk around.

If you eat meat + do not mind going to a place that refuses to give you ketchup on your burger, give Father’s Office a try. It is always packed and people that don’t mind a limited menu usually love it. I am obviously not a fan, but everyone I know who has been there absolutely loves it.

Looking for a great deli? Nate ‘N Al has been around since 1945. It’s nothing fancy but the food is great and it’s sort of a landmark in LA.

If you want a guaranteed celeb sighting and like the idea of dining opposite some paparazzi, stop by The Ivy on Robertson.

Please keep in mind that I am not much of a foodie so my list may not be that exciting to some.

things to do/see/buy

I may not be much of a foodie, but I love to shop. I don’t do too much of it, but I love it. Ron Herman, Planet Blue, and Robertson Blvd are some personal favorites. I suppose you should check out Rodeo, although it’s a tourist trap and I tend to avoid it at any cost. I love James Perse on Canon {in BH} and in Malibu.

Century City + The Grove
are my two favorite malls. The Grove is prettier {and is especially
cheery at Christmas time}. It is also attached to a Farmer’s Market. They both have great stores + Pinkberry.

If you’re feeling
fancy, Barneys, Saks + Neimans are all lined up in a row on Wilshire.

Speaking of Malibu, the Country Mart is a must see. Great food and shopping. If you’re in to celebs, chances are that you will see someone. I have seen quite a few people there. If you are coming through the city, take Sunset to PCH. It’s a beautiful drive. You will pass through the Palisades. Gorgeous homes. Wouldn’t hurt to drive up and down the streets over there a little bit. I’ve done it and have found that Amalfi Drive {right off sunset} is my favorite.

Want a great {free} workout? Stop by the Santa Monica Stairs or go hiking in the hills somewhere. Lots of options in LA. If you want to pay for a great class, try indo-row with Josh Crosby. I used to take his class. Great workout.

Want some ice cream sandwiched in between two cookies? And even better…want to stand in line with dozens of college kids in the heart of Westwood? Head to Diddy Riese.

If you are visiting LA and have time to head to Santa Barbara {it’s 1.5 hrs away} I highly recommend a trip there. I used to live in SB + love it. Stop by the Summerland Beach Cafe on your way up. Great food + it’s surrounded by lots of great little antique shops. Grab lunch or dinner and drinks at Carlitos on State Street.

And I suppose this means I’ll need to do a best of Chicago. Maybe to
celebrate my 1 year anniversary which is less than two weeks away! How has a year gone by?

Have you been to LA? Chicago? What are your favorite places in either city? And what are your favorite places in YOUR town?